US Bridges

FM 81 over Draw

Good

Karnes County, Texas · 2.4 MI E of US 181 · Structure no. 161290112301002

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1960
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 81 over Draw is a concrete culvert carrying FM 81 over Draw in Karnes County, Texas. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1960, so it is 76 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,960 by 2033. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesFM 81
CrossesDraw
Location2.4 MI E of US 181
RouteState Highway 81
StateTexas
Coordinates28.95451, -97.95514
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span5 ft (1.5 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2020)
Projected traffic1,960 by 2033
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 81 over Draw built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1960.

What condition is FM 81 over Draw in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does FM 81 over Draw carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is FM 81 over Draw?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 5 ft (1.5 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns FM 81 over Draw?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.